Keto Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe: Low-Carb, High Flavor!

If you’re on the keto train and missing your favorite takeout dishes, you’re in for a treat. These Keto Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls pack all the sweet, savory, and sticky goodness of your go-to comfort food without the carb overload. And here’s the kicker—this recipe is so simple, even if you’re new to cooking, you can nail it on the first try. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or an impressive dinner that’ll make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Keto-Friendly: We’re swapping out regular rice for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
• Big on Flavor: Think garlicky, gingery chicken coated in a sticky, sugar-free glaze.
• Quick & Easy: You’ll go from kitchen to table in under 40 minutes.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper (a pinch of each)

For the Sticky Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• 3 tbsp sugar-free honey or keto-friendly syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (to thicken)

For the Rice Bowls:

• 2 cups cauliflower rice (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp butter or avocado oil
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced cucumbers or steamed broccoli
• Fresh lime wedges

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping up your chicken thighs into small, even pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them get a nice sear. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and measure out all your sauce ingredients. Set everything aside so you’re ready to roll.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sticky Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want those browned bits for extra flavor!), lower the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Pour in the soy sauce, sugar-free honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. If you want some spice, sprinkle in the chili flakes. Let the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes.

Now, slowly sprinkle the xanthan gum over the sauce while whisking constantly. This will help thicken it up into that sticky, glossy perfection. Cook for another minute, then turn off the heat.

4. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in that sticky, flavorful glaze. Leave the pan on low heat while you prep the cauliflower rice.

5. Cook the Cauliflower Rice

Heat a separate skillet over medium heat and add the butter or oil. Toss in the cauliflower rice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender but not mushy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cauliflower rice into serving bowls. Spoon the sticky chicken on top, making sure to get all that delicious sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and any of your favorite toppings like cucumbers or steamed broccoli. If you’re feeling fancy, squeeze a little lime juice over the top for a fresh kick.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Use Thighs, Not Breasts: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, making them ideal for this dish.
• Don’t Skip the Xanthan Gum: It’s the magic ingredient for getting that sauce to cling to your chicken like a pro.
• Meal Prep Like a Boss: Make a big batch and store it in individual containers. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Customize the Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or even zucchini noodles work great here. Mix and match to keep things interesting.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto

Traditional sticky chicken dishes are packed with sugar and served over carb-heavy white rice. This recipe swaps out those high-carb ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The sugar-free sweetener gives the sauce its signature stickiness, while cauliflower rice keeps it light and keto-friendly. Plus, healthy fats from the sesame oil and avocado oil make this meal satisfying and filling.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

This is based on approximate calculations and may vary slightly based on ingredient brands.

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbs: 5g

Make It a Family Dinner

This recipe isn’t just for keto diehards. If your family isn’t watching carbs, serve their chicken over jasmine rice or quinoa instead. The sticky sauce is universally loved, so everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

Conclusion

These Keto Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls prove that you don’t have to give up flavor to stick to your goals. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes. Try it once, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for bland chicken and steamed veggies.

Pin this recipe for later, and let us know in the comments if you tried it! What toppings did you add? Any twists to the sauce? Share your creations—you just might inspire the next great dinner idea.

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